Comparison of Simulation-Based Training and Bedside Teaching in Enhancing Clinical Skill Acquisition among Medical Students

Abstract

Background: Learning of clinical skills is an essential aspect of undergraduate medical training. Conventional bedside teaching has been the pillar of clinical training but simulation-based training is a novel training method that offers safe and controlled learning environment.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of simulation-based training and bedside teaching in enhancing clinical skill acquisition among medical students.

Methods: This comparative analytical study was conducted at the Frontier Medical and Dental College, Abbottabad from March 2024 to March 2025. Eighty-two undergraduate medical students were recruited and separated into two groups, where they were trained via simulation (n = 41) and taught at the bedside (n = 41). Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) scores were used to measure clinical skills. Other outcomes were level of competency, level of error, advancement in knowledge, confidence and student satisfaction. The SPSS version 25 was used to analyze data with a p-value of 0.05 being statistically significant.

Results: Students in the simulation group demonstrated significantly higher mean OSCE scores (78.6 ± 8.4) compared to the bedside group (70.2 ± 9.1; p = 0.001). Competency levels were higher in the simulation group (78.0% vs. 58.5%; p = 0.03), with fewer major errors. Knowledge improvement, confidence levels, and satisfaction were also significantly better among students receiving simulation-based training.

Conclusion: Simulation-based training is more effective than bedside teaching in enhancing clinical skill acquisition, improving competency, and increasing student confidence and satisfaction. An integrated approach combining both methods is recommended for optimal medical education outcomes.